Slice, the pickup and self-delivery provider for independent pizza restaurants, announced an additional $15 million infusion to its Slice Accelerate program that grants independent pizzerias with $15,000 in technology and services to grow their businesses. First started last year, this latest round is expected to bring another 1,000 restaurants into the company’s small business accelerator.
Inspired by the added stress offline small businesses were experiencing as a result of COVID-19, Slice launched Slice Accelerate in September 2020. The program was designed to set independent pizzerias up for future success by offering additional services and one-to-one support that would maximize their potential and help them to compete with predatory third-party delivery apps.
Over the past year, Slice invested more than $1.5 million into the program and supported more than 100 shops by granting each $15,000 in tech and services as well as one-to-one mentoring. The program’s first cohort of Accelerate shops have seen incredible growth, according to the company. Data suggests that pizzerias that are accepted into Slice’s accelerator program can expect to double their digital sales within the first 12 months.
“I’m incredibly proud of the impact Slice Accelerate has made thus far. After seeing such strong results within the first year, Slice Accelerate is here to stay,” said Slice founder and CEO Ilir Sela. “Unlike a loan or a cash offering which is a quick fix—the complimentary services we offer through Accelerate are designed to bring lasting, effective results that set our partners up for future success and we look forward to continuing to invest both in our new and existing Accelerate shops.”
Additionally, Slice has brought on Pritesh Chandarana as the general manager for the program. Chandarana brings to Slice rich experience from past roles at Uber and Oyo and the company says he has an “incredible track record of maximizing potential for independent and small businesses across the country.”
Slice is accepting shop nominations, and selected shops are announced on a rolling basis. Slice’s selection criteria will include entrepreneurs with “enormous potential and a desire to use technology to scale up operations while maintaining a great quality product.” This opportunity is for small business owners wanting a playbook for success and an increase in sales.
For more information or to nominate a local shop that’s deserving of this grant, visit accelerate.slicelife.com.
